Black Sticky Rice
This gorgeous black sticky rice is going to become your new favorite side dish! Anyone who loves trying new grains and healthy foods will absolutely fall in love with this nutty, chewy texture that’s so much more interesting than regular white rice.
Recipe Details
Timing & Servings: Cook Time: 10 minutes, Additional Time: 55 minutes, Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes, Serves: 6 people, Yield: 3 cups.
Nutrition Profile: Diabetes-Friendly, Dairy-Free, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Heart-Healthy, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Low-Calorie.
Nutrition Facts (per serving): 107 Calories, 1g Fat, 23g Carbs, 3g Protein.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Black sticky rice: You’ll need 1 cup of this beautiful purple-black rice. Look for it in the bulk section of natural food stores or with the other whole grain rice – it’s such a fun change from regular rice!
Water: Just 2¼ cups of water is all you need. The rice will soak up all this liquid and become perfectly tender with that signature chewy bite.
How to Make Black Sticky Rice
Step 1: Wash your rice really well in several changes of cold water until the water runs clearer. Drain it completely and put it in a large heavy saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
Step 2: Add the water and bring everything to a vigorous boil over high heat. Once it’s bubbling away, cover the pot and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Let it cook for 45 to 50 minutes until the rice is tender but still has a little chew in the center. All the liquid should be absorbed by now.
Step 4: Remove from heat and let it stand covered for 10 minutes. Give it a gentle stir and you’re ready to serve!
Easy and Quick Black Sticky Rice Version
For a super quick version, you can use a rice cooker! Just wash the rice the same way, add it to your rice cooker with the water, and hit the brown rice setting. It’ll take about the same time but you don’t have to watch it at all – so convenient!
Serving Ideas
This makes an amazing side dish for any Asian-inspired meal or grilled proteins. Try it with some sautéed vegetables and your favorite protein for a complete, satisfying meal. It’s also delicious as a base for grain bowls topped with fresh veggies!
Storage
You can refrigerate leftover black sticky rice for up to 2 days in a covered container. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until warmed through. Add a splash of water if it seems too dry.
Substitutions
If you can’t find black sticky rice, regular brown rice works great too – just adjust the cooking time to about 30-35 minutes. You can also use coconut milk instead of water for half the liquid to make it extra rich and creamy!
Pro Tips
- Perfect texture: Don’t skip the washing step – it removes excess starch and prevents gummy rice
- Even cooking: Make sure your pot has a tight-fitting lid to trap all the steam
- No peeking: Resist lifting the lid during cooking – you’ll let out important steam
- Resting time: That 10-minute rest after cooking is super important for the perfect texture
FAQs
Is black sticky rice actually sticky like sushi rice?
Not exactly! It’s called “sticky” but it’s more chewy and holds together nicely rather than being gluey. It has such a wonderful texture that’s totally different from regular rice – you’re going to love it!
Can I make this ahead of time for meal prep?
You bet! This rice keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s perfect for meal prep bowls – just reheat portions as needed throughout the week.
Where can I buy black sticky rice?
Sure! You’ll find it in most natural food stores, Asian grocery stores, or even online. Look in the bulk bins or with the specialty rice – it’s becoming more popular so it’s easier to find these days!
Your Turn!
I’d love to hear how your black sticky rice turns out! Drop a comment and let me know what you served it with – I’m always looking for new ideas. Happy cooking, friend!
